BALI - The Nusantara Capital Authority (NCA) is taking concrete actions to address water resource management issues, especially in the Nusantara region. This was conveyed by the Chairman of IKN, Bambang Susantono, during the 23rd High-levels Experts and Leader Panel on Water and Disasters (HELP), which is part of the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Badung, on Sunday, (05/19/2024).

"At this forum, I propose that we continue to advocate for the broader implementation of digitalization and nature-based solutions. As we strive to reach a framework for addressing water issues at the 10th WWF starting tomorrow, I want to encourage everyone to keep calling for the accelerated adoption of these two practical yet transformative elements," said Bambang.

Bambang emphasized the importance of advocating for the widespread implementation of digital and nature-based solutions, which are considered practical and transformative steps that can help address various water-related issues.

In the past six months, water-related challenges have increased, including water disasters, the water-food-energy nexus, and the impact of water on quality of life. Regions such as Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, Northern Baghlan in Afghanistan, and West Sumatra in Indonesia are still recovering from floods that killed around 500 people and displaced over 90,000. In Southeast Asia, the first four months of this year alone saw at least 320 flood and drought incidents, causing hundreds of deaths and significant displacement. These incidents occur amid many developing countries' struggles to achieve SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, with approximately 1.9 billion people in Asia and the Pacific still lacking access to clean water and sanitation, according to UNESCAP.

Bambang Susantono highlighted that digital transformation can provide extensive data for in-depth analysis, improve efficiency, and enhance the resilience of water systems. Nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and sustainable drainage systems, offer opportunities for creating more sustainable living environments.

"For example, in Nusantara, there is the Hidayatullah Islamic boarding school in Sepaku District. Within this 10-hectare school, there is a natural retention basin that serves as a vital source of clean water. This basin supports the needs of the school and the surrounding community, with a sustainable water management system," Bambang noted.

The NCA is committed to adopting the "sponge city" concept, utilizing nature-based solutions. IKN is also collaborating with various agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (KemenPUPR), to develop a master plan for flood control and drainage. Nusantara integrates smart city components, such as Smart Water Management and Early Warning Systems, to ensure the city's resilience.

The Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, expressed readiness to collaborate with various parties, including the Nusantara Capital Authority, to address climate change through proper water resource management. Basuki emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling climate change challenges and ensuring sustainable access to clean water for communities.

"We (KemenPUPR) are deeply engaged in partnerships with various parties in water resource management. We have seen how climate change significantly impacts the socio-economic progress and well-being of people worldwide, and this can be anticipated through proper and synergistic water resource management," Basuki stated.

In conclusion, Bambang Susantono called on all parties to continue working hard to address water-related challenges, climate change, and resilience by leveraging technology and nature-based solutions. Water is not just a resource but the essence that sustains life and ecosystems. Bambang hopes the upcoming WWF will foster a strong spirit to protect water resources for future generations.

The 23rd HELP meeting was chaired by Han Seung-Hoo, former Prime Minister of Korea, with attendees including Mark Harbers, the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management.

(Sunday,May 19^th 2024)

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Source:Nusantara Capital Authority Public Relations